WHAT ATV TO BUY

[bjess8]

I am looking to buy a new 4 wheeler and it has to be atleast a 500 cc and would like to here some pros and cons on some.I am looking at honda,suzuki and polaris and it has to be 4wd.I will be using it mostly for hunting and alittle bit on the farm.Just want to know what you all think of your machines.I guy I work with says polaris 4 wheeleres are junk but I like the looks of them.So any info would help thanks.

 

[GBeck]

not sure if it is just in the r and d stages, but do a search on the quadski....it's moved to the top of my want list.
not really sure how that helps you though

 

[rdbrumfield]

I bought a honda rincon over the others because it is not a belt drive. It has a torque converter like a car so it is a totally sealed tranny. The only thing I wish is that it had a lower low gear. Other than that it has plenty of power with the gearing it has and is faster on the top end than I want to go.
You will want to change the tires though. The stock ones aren't much more than innertubes with bumps on them. Had a flat the first time out. Put a set of bighorns on it and it made an amazing handling difference.
Heard too many horror stories about burning up a belt on the polaris and artic cats and having to walk out. Maybe they have worked out some problems with mud and water getting the belt wet. Of course we are all partial to what we paid out the bucks for.

 

[johnk]

I had a Honda 450ES and now own a new Rubicon . The foreman was a great workhorse and the Ruby is even better. Problem free on the one I sold and had almost 3000 miles on it. The Ruby is 9 months old and 700 miles without a pronblem. I also like the Yamahas but don't rerally care for the polaris'. Matter of personal choice I guess but in my opinion the Hondas are basically pretty tested, proven and bulletproof. Just my opinion.

 

[Shmudda]

Bjess.....

I see you want a 500+cc Quad and a 4WD, to do some hunting and work around the farm. First and this is a big question....do you want stability, hauling ability or the best ride possible?

Here's the main options you have to consider:

Straight rear axle - This design is by far the best design for stability, working, hauling, pulling and overall work, plain and simple. This offers no "sag" when loading up the machine when carrying a loaded rack or pulling a big heavy trailer full of fire wood.

Independent rear suspension - This design is by far the best for ride comfort, slow speed handling, and is somewhat unstable at higher speeds. I wouldn't give you two cents for an IRS machine for hard work, they just don't have it. But you can ride them all day and not get tired.

Power steering - A few higher end machines have it today, makes a world of difference too.

Transmission type (Belt or no belt) - Most ATV's of every brand use these rubber bands to propel their machines other then Honda. I have been riding for quite a while and can tell you from personal experience that belts don't last for heavy work, pulling, or lugging the machine. Honestly, stay away from them totally! If you are looking at a Honda, their transmission on the TRX500 Rubicon (which I own) is a Hydrostatic transmission, just like you find on the tractors around this place. It truly is bulletproof, and will run forever, all it asks for is an oil change every 600 miles. This transmission was first designed back in the early 1960's as it was called the "Hondamatic". Attached is document on the transmission that you might find interesting.

Makes and Models - As you can see I am a fan of Honda's. They are a true engineering company and have some of the most innovative ideas out there. They will not provide you with the fastest, quickest, or biggest utility ATV, but what they will provide is a machine that will last a lifetime with only reasonable care and maintenance. I could go on and on about the different makes and models, but I won't. Ride each one and get a machine that personally fits you and your desires.......

One other thing....Polaris is all show and no go......trust me on that one. Been riding way to many times with them and there hasn't been once that we didn't bring one off the mountain on the tow hook for one reason or another. Needless to say those Polaris's are the butt of many jokes!

Good luck in your "hunt"

Read my signature....it says it all...........

Craig

 

[stevem5215]

I have a Bombardier Traxter 500 4x4 with the Visco lock diff on it. It will go over logs with that 4wd system. It's pretty incredible. My 01' has about 800 mi on it and it'll pull logs in low range. Plus it has the shift on the fly button instead of a CVT belt transmission. They are like having a mini tractor. It's that good. I've had it up to about 55mph and that's moving on a quad. They get unstable due to the tires on them. It's a blast to ride and great for working on a farm.

Steve

 

[Matt_Jr]

New ATV time is always exciting.
I've gotta Kawasaki Brute Force 750. It has Independent rear suspension and is very comfortable. I put a big wheel kit on it and the rear wheels stick out a little farther than stock so that it handles much like a solid rear axle. I also put a moose module on it so it'll excellerate like a bat out of he.... Although it is belt driven as long as the belt cover's sealed properly slippage won't be a problem. My boss bought one for the shop and we pull loaded one ton trucks into the shop with his all day long in 4wheel low. And plow the parking lot. Mine will pull the front wheels off the ground at 20mph and has a top speed somewhere around 70mph. Thats as fast as my manhood would allow me to take it. I've put a winch on it and heated grips(like to ride in the snow) and have rode through water and mud up to the seat with no problems. It has a locking front differential and low range in forward only. Even though mine's a 750 and takes off quick these bikes are real workhorses. They don't corner as well as some of the smaller ones and have trouble sqeeeeezing through some tight spaces. The high ground clearence helps with getting over logs, large rocks, and through mud.

I've found the Brute Force to be very tipsy with the stock tires and wheels but upgrading will make up for it. If you go with offset rims that stick out farther than stock prepare to get mud on your back, neck, shoulders, helmet, and thrown over your head. I find I switch back and forth depending on where I'm riding.

Go with fuel injected. You may also want to consider a newer bike with powersteering. Look for locking front diffs and good ergonomics that fit your build. And get a winch with the bike. You'll need it. If you don't end up needing it some one riding with you will. Besides if your not getting stuck your not having fun.

I've had Hondas in the past and they were always reliable too. I only bought the Kawasaki 'cause IMHO it's the fastest, stongest, baddest bike I could find.

The ones that do a lot of pulling with these machines upgrade the belts and have no problems. STAY AWAY FROM POLARIS. I'm always pulling someone out of the woods with one of these. One guy I knew had his frame crack in 6 differant places, but he rides a little crazy too. If you go with Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, or even Suzuki I can assure reliablity. Can-am had a good reputation with dirt bikes in the 70's and 80's but I've found the plastic to be a bit too brittle and break easily on their 4 wheelers. Especially in colder weather. Ride safe and never past your limits... which will get higher and higher. Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[TWO GUNS]

I now own the Honda Rubicon.... Owned a Honda since think it was 1967 or 1968 >>>
When Honda introducted the first ATC 90 in 1970, I was one of the first to own one in the south. And since then, have owned every three or four wheeler that Honda has released, other than the racing wheelers . Used them much for hunting, and used them very hard on the farms....
I have NEVER, EVER, had to put a Honda three or four wheeler in the shop for repair !!!!!
Also, the farms has also purchased several other brands, Yamaha's, and one Kawasaki >>> and they were good pieces of equipment also. Much of the life of these machines is the service that one does on them. And use them they way they suppose to be used, and don't abuse them doing stupid things like I've seen on videos and such ........

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

as for as atv's go i would go with honda / yamaha thats your two main players now the engine in my hpx is a kawasaki and it's been trouble free for years too. but i would still go with a honda first yamaha second and a kawasaki third

 

[Double Orange]

5 months ago I brouht the Polaris 500 Sportsman in camo. I only have 62 hrs but nothing but smiles!
I like you wanted 500cc
Auto
4X4
IRS
2 speed foward a low and a hi!

I'm 6' and 210# The Sportsman 500 is a full size quad. I drove 6 oher quads and the Sportsman fit me best. The ride is like a cadillac.

I took my time looking and at the end the Honda rancher and the Polaris Sportsman where tied.

The 500 Sportsman came with the 3 star PXT tires Which means I wouldn't have to pay $780 to upgrade my tires.

I use my quad to patrol my horse trails. Up/down hills thru creecks cross pastures.

I also ordered the 3 ton warn winch. This lets you really bury it! And the push of a button and your gone!

I also ordered the lock and ride cago box. I can throw my chain saw and any needed tools securly in the box and go.
I'm very happy with my decision.

 

[john_bud]

Why 500CC? I had an old honda 350 4x4 shaft drive and it would pull a 5x10 trailer with 2000# on it thru the woods, no problem. Well, the mud booger holes were a pain, but that was more the tires being short nubbies. If you are going to use it hunting, a smaller machine will get you into tighter places, generally be quieter and use less fuel etc.

My buddy has a 2 year old polaris 500cc. It's a LOT larger than the old 350 was. Louder too. But faster, more power, smooth ride, more gas used, etc. The old ones were weak and fragile, but the new ones are pretty nice, powerful and much less problems.

I would say Honda has the most reliable machine out there. For power, there are so many choices it boggles the brain. I would get fuel injected on any new machine. They start better and run smooooth.

 

[Ryan03]

Why 500CC? I had an old honda 350 4x4 shaft drive and it would pull a 5x10 trailer with 2000# on it thru the woods, no problem. Well, the mud booger holes were a pain, but that was more the tires being short nubbies. If you are going to use it hunting, a smaller machine will get you into tighter places, generally be quieter and use less fuel etc.

My buddy has a 2 year old polaris 500cc. It's a LOT larger than the old 350 was. Louder too. But faster, more power, smooth ride, more gas used, etc. The old ones were weak and fragile, but the new ones are pretty nice, powerful and much less problems.

I would say Honda has the most reliable machine out there. For power, there are so many choices it boggles the brain. I would get fuel injected on any new machine. They start better and run smooooth.

I just sold my Yamaha big bear 350 4x4 a week ago, and I am also in the market for a new 500cc+ 4x4 next spring [after the new baby is born, and the wife goes back to work]. Initialy, I could not imagine why anyone would need more than 350cc's, but adding 27 inch tires with 1-1/4 inch lugs, combined with my 216 lb body weight made it clear that I needed a bigger HP and torque increase than anything short of a super charger or nitrouse could provide me with. Hill climbing and accelerating it did fine, but once those big mudders got burried in 18 inches of wet clay and black pete, it was hard to get enough wheel speed in first gear to clean them out, The other guys riding with me running the same size and larger tires on 420 Ranchers and 500 Rubicons did not have these issues with running out of power. I am considering these models, Honda Rancher 420 4x4, Honda Rubicon 4x4, Honda Rincon 4x4, Can Am outlander 400, 500 , and 650, Artic cat 500, and 700 4x4. Although the honda's lack disc brakes on all but the Rincon, and do not have a locking front diff, They seem to hold their value real well, and from what I have personaly witnessed, [Hydrolocking time and time again with no engine damage, Rolling down mountains in Hatfield Mcoy WV.] they are as close to bullet proof as it gets. On the other hand, The Can Am is about as cutting edge as ATV's get, and has a better warranty with a 3 year term. The Artic Cat has more ground clearance and larger fenders to keep the rider cleaner. Whatever I buy, it will get a 2 inch lift and 27 or 28 inch tires along with a snorkel right off the bat. I am guessing it will be a Honda, but can't say for sure until I ride all the ones listed above and crunch some more numbers.

 

[Double Orange]

That last photo. was that where Obaoma is sticking his next Tax In Increase?

 

[Ryan03]

That last photo. was that where Obaoma is sticking his next Tax In Increase?

Actualy, that is John Mcain on the Rancher, and he is one wild 72 year old!!!!!!!! Just kidding.

 

[kenmac]

I have an 05 polaris sportsman 400 & ride in the mud just like ryan03. No problems. Love this machine. Wish I had the new 850 sportsman

 

[farmboy12]

You should look at the Polaris 6x6's. You can buy a used 500, or a new 800. They also have lock and ride bed's and seem great for offroad use.


We don't have experience with ATV's, but I've done my research.

 

[john_bud]

Ryan03,


You may be a bit more of a trail rider than the OP who wanted one for hunting and around the farm.

I also think you look like you were having a BLAST!

 

[Ryan03]

Ryan03,


You may be a bit more of a trail rider than the OP who wanted one for hunting and around the farm.

I also think you look like you were having a BLAST!

Yeah, your probably right. I just figured that if we couldn't kill these quads abusing them like we do, they would last a hunter or farmer forever with proper maintenence

 

[IllMarty1]

This is me on a Can Am Outlander MAX(2 person) Atv. Was the 4th time through and well... see for yourself.

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